noun
repression
ruh-PREH-shuhn
noun
1
The use of force or authority to control or suppress people, especially their rights or freedoms.
"The regime was known for its brutal repression of political opponents."
2
In psychology, the unconscious pushing away of painful or unwanted thoughts and feelings.
"The therapist believed his fear stemmed from childhood repression."
How to Use Repression
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishForcefully holding something down, whether it's a population or one's own emotions.
Common pairings
political repression
emotional repression
state of repression
Word Forms
repressions plural
Study it as flashcards or scroll it in Flow — saved to your collection.
Test yourself on “repression”
A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage
→
Fill the Gap
Can you complete this real example?
The regime was known for its brutal _____ of political opponents.
Etymology
Formed from "repress" plus the noun-forming suffix "-ion," ultimately from Latin reprimere ("to press back").